ISPOR KNUST Student Chapter Hosts Conference to Showcase Postgraduate Research
The Student Chapter of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has successfully organized a two-day conference aimed at equipping postgraduate students with exposure to academic conferences and providing a platform for them to showcase their research work.
The conference, held on 18–19 March 2026 at the Gardiner Conference Room of the Great Hall, brought together postgraduate students from the Departments of Pharmacy Practice, Health Policy Management, and Economics. The event formed part of the chapter’s efforts to promote research dissemination, professional networking, and global collaboration within the fields of health economics and outcomes research.
ISPOR is a leading global non-profit professional society dedicated to advancing research, evidence-based decision-making, and policy to improve healthcare access, efficiency, and affordability worldwide. The KNUST Student Chapter seeks to nurture the next generation of researchers and policymakers by connecting students to global research networks and opportunities for grants and collaboration.
Delivering the opening remarks, Professor Peter Agyei-Baffour, the Dean of the KNUST School of Public Health and Faculty Advisor of the ISPOR KNUST Student Chapter, emphasized the importance of equitable access to sustainable healthcare. He noted that while health economics often focuses on data and cost-effectiveness, the ultimate goal of research in the field is to improve human well-being.
He encouraged students to use the conference as an opportunity to bridge classroom knowledge with real-world health challenges and to actively engage in discussions that could inspire innovative solutions to healthcare inequalities. According to him, the conference demonstrates that students are not merely observing the challenges facing healthcare systems but are preparing to address them through research and policy innovation.
A highlight of the conference was the keynote address delivered by Dr. Ernest Attuquaye Quaye, who spoke on the topic “HTA Input in Equity, Cost, and Effectiveness Decisions in the Implementation of Healthcare Interventions.”
In his presentation, Dr. Quaye explained the critical role of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in helping countries like Ghana make informed decisions about healthcare interventions. He noted that as Ghana pursues Universal Health Coverage (UHC), policymakers must balance growing healthcare demands with limited financial resources.
He described HTA as a multidisciplinary approach that evaluates the clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and social implications of health interventions to ensure that healthcare investments provide the greatest benefit for the population. According to him, integrating HTA into policy decisions helps strengthen the sustainability of the National Health Insurance Scheme and ensures equitable access to healthcare services.
The conference featured several academic sessions led by experts in healthcare research and policy. Presentations explored key themes such as patient-centred care, health system preparedness in the face of climate change, and strategies for improving healthcare delivery.
A major highlight of the event was the student oral presentation session, where postgraduate researchers presented their ongoing studies. Topics included:
- Accessibility and equity in the utilization of the Expanded Programme on Immunization services in selected districts in Ghana
- Healthcare consumption inequality and the drivers of healthcare utilization
- Barriers to the disclosure of HIV status to children in the Ashanti Region
These presentations provided an opportunity for students to receive feedback from faculty members and peers while sharpening their research communication skills.
The second day of the conference featured poster presentations showcasing additional student research projects. Participants also engaged in an early career development panel discussion, where experienced professionals shared insights on career pathways in health economics, health policy, and outcomes research.
The interactive sessions created valuable opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and professional networking among students and faculty.
The ISPOR KNUST Student Chapter Conference reflects the university’s commitment to strengthening research capacity and preparing students to contribute meaningfully to health policy and healthcare decision-making.
By providing a platform for knowledge exchange and research dissemination, the conference not only enhances academic development but also positions students to participate in global health research networks and attract funding opportunities that can drive impactful research in Ghana and beyond.
